What’s Inside the July 2025 Issue of AC?

The Evolving Artistry of Lighting for Streaming Series: A Deep Dive

As the landscape of television continues to shift, so too do the techniques and artistry involved in cinematography. The July 2025 issue of American Cinematographer highlights this evolution, particularly focusing on the intricate lighting designs that have become pivotal in shaping the visual narratives of contemporary streaming series. With in-depth discussions on productions like Severance, Black Mirror, Doctor Who, Adolescence, and Daredevil: Born Again, this article delves into how cinematographers are redefining storytelling through light and shadow.

Illuminating Dual Realities in Severance

Creating a Surreal World

In the Apple TV Plus series Severance, the crew has crafted a unique aesthetic that reflects the psychological tension of its narrative. Cinematographer Jessica Lee Gagné, alongside her peers David Lanzenberg, ASC and Suzie Lavelle, BSC, ISC, collaborates closely with director and executive producer Ben Stiller. Together, they explore how lighting serves as a bridge between the show's contrasting realities.

Season 2 introduces viewers to Lumon Industries’ “Goat Department,” a setting that relies heavily on surreal lighting techniques to evoke a sense of unease and otherworldliness. The crew’s use of stark contrasts and soft shadows reinforces the characters’ internal conflicts as they navigate their dual lives.

Lighting Techniques that Enhance Narrative

One of the standout techniques discussed by the team is the strategic use of color temperature to differentiate between the sterile work environment and the chaotic outside world. By employing cooler, harsher lights within the Lumon offices and warmer hues in external scenes, the cinematographers successfully depict the characters’ emotional states. This deliberate approach to lighting not only enhances the visual storytelling but also deepens audience engagement with the intricate plotlines of the series.

Crafting Dystopian Aesthetics in Black Mirror

Innovation Through Collaboration

The Netflix anthology series Black Mirror challenges its cinematographers with a variety of narratives, each requiring a unique visual language. Cinematographers Jo Willems, ASC, SBC; Stephan Pehrsson, BSC; Philipp Haberlandt, BVK; and Álvaro Gutiérrez, AEC shared their collaborative efforts in shaping the latest season’s tone. Their insights into lighting strategies reveal how they create atmospheric tension that is synonymous with the series.

Technical Choices That Define Aesthetic

The cinematographers employed innovative lighting setups that blend practical effects with digital enhancements. By manipulating shadows and highlights, they accentuate the eerie qualities of the storylines while maintaining a sense of realism. The use of diffused lighting in key scenes invites viewers to immerse themselves in the unsettling narrative, a hallmark of Black Mirror.

New Visual Language in Doctor Who

Innovative Cinematic Techniques

In the latest season of Doctor Who, cinematographer Ashley Barron, ACS, brings a fresh perspective to the beloved series. In the episode titled “The Story & the Engine,” Barron’s innovative lighting concepts work hand-in-hand with the visual effects team to create a compelling narrative that showcases the show's signature time-travel dynamics.

Collaboration with VFX

The collaboration between Barron and the VFX team emphasizes the importance of lighting in enhancing CGI elements. By integrating practical lighting techniques, Barron manages to ground the fantastical elements of the story within a believable framework. The interplay of light and shadow not only heightens the drama but also enriches the visual experience for the audience.

Exploring Raw Emotion in Adolescence

Balancing Realism and Dramatic Tension

Adolescence is a limited series that tackles complex family dynamics, and its cinematographer, Matthew Lewis, along with gaffer Max Hodgkinson, employs a nuanced lighting approach to convey raw emotions. Their focus on naturalistic lighting helps to ground the narrative in reality, allowing viewers to connect deeply with the characters’ struggles.

Key Lighting Choices

• Natural Light Simulation: The team opts for a mix of natural and artificial light, creating a soft, intimate atmosphere that resonates with the series' themes.
• Dynamic Range: By using a wide dynamic range in lighting, they skillfully balance lighter moments with the heavier emotional beats of the story.
• Camera Movement: Strategic camera movements coupled with lighting adjustments enhance the emotional weight of pivotal scenes.

Grit and Realism in Daredevil: Born Again

Reviving the Grit of 1970s Cinema

In the reboot of Daredevil: Born Again, cinematographers Hillary Fyfe Spera and Pedro Gómez Millán, AMC, draw heavily from the cinematic traditions of 1970s New York City. Their lighting techniques emphasize grit and realism, crucial for a modern superhero story that aims to capture the essence of the city’s streets.

Choreographed Lighting Cues

The series features elaborate lighting cues that are meticulously choreographed to align with the action sequences. These cues not only enhance the visual storytelling but also serve to accentuate the emotional stakes of the characters involved. By using shadows and highlights effectively, the cinematographers create a palpable tension that is both thrilling and immersive.

New Products and Services in Cinematography

Tools for Virtual Production

The July 2025 issue also showcases a range of innovative tools designed for camera tracking in virtual production environments. As the industry increasingly adopts virtual and augmented reality technologies, these products are essential for maintaining continuity in lighting and environmental interactions.

• Camera Tracking Systems: Advanced tracking systems allow cinematographers to maintain accurate lighting setups in virtual environments, ensuring consistency throughout the production process.
• Lighting Control Software: New software products provide greater control over lighting adjustments, allowing for real-time changes during shooting.
• Integration with VFX: Seamless integration of lighting tools with visual effects enhances the overall production quality, bringing a more polished final product to viewers.

A Tribute to Bruce Logan, ASC

Honoring a Cinematic Legacy

The issue also pays homage to the late Bruce Logan, ASC, whose groundbreaking work in visual effects has left an indelible mark on the industry. His contributions to classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey, Star Wars, and Tron are celebrated, showcasing how his innovative techniques paved the way for modern cinematography.

Revisiting Gordon Willis’ Lighting Mastery in The Godfather

Iconic Scenes and Lasting Impact

Finally, the issue revisits the iconic work of Gordon Willis, ASC, particularly focusing on the restaurant shooting scene in The Godfather. Willis’ meticulous attention to lighting detail not only defined the film’s aesthetic but also influenced generations of cinematographers.

His approach to lighting—using shadows to create tension and atmosphere—continues to inspire filmmakers today. The artistry displayed in this classic film remains a benchmark for lighting in cinematic storytelling.

Conclusion: The Future of Lighting in Cinematography

The artistry of lighting in contemporary streaming series continues to evolve, as showcased in the July 2025 issue of American Cinematographer. Each production discussed highlights unique approaches to lighting, demonstrating how it can enhance narrative depth and emotional resonance. As technology advances, so too will the techniques employed by cinematographers, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.

As audiences, we are invited to appreciate the intricate dance of light and shadow that shapes the stories we watch. How will the next wave of streaming series innovate in their approach to lighting? The future is bright, and the possibilities are endless.

FAQs

What are some key lighting techniques used in streaming series?

Key lighting techniques include the use of color temperature to create mood, practical effects combined with digital enhancements, and dynamic range management to balance light and shadow.

How does lighting affect audience perception in storytelling?

Lighting plays a crucial role in shaping the audience's emotional response and understanding of a scene. It can evoke tension, intimacy, or unease, significantly influencing how the story is received.

What tools are essential for modern cinematographers in virtual production?

Essential tools include advanced camera tracking systems, lighting control software, and integration tools for visual effects, which all help maintain continuity and enhance production quality.

As we continue to witness the evolution of cinematography, what lighting innovations are you most excited to see in future productions? #Cinematography #StreamingSeries #LightingDesign